Product Review: Mask of Magnaminty from Lush

Hey beauties!

Today I wanted to talk about Lush's Mask of Magnaminty! I have known about the brand for awhile, but there was never a Lush anywhere that I have lived recently. I did discover that they are in Germany though, and ship cheaply within Germany(score!). I have heard alot of great reviews about this mask, so I decided to give it a try myself.

I ordered the smaller tub of the mask because I was unsure if I would like it. My thoughts on this product? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! This is a fabulous mask. The mint scent is really nice, and so refreshing for the skin. I use this at least once a week, maybe more if my skin is freaking out. You can place this mask on your face, neck, and back. This is great news if you tend to break out in those areas. When I use the mask, my skin looks brighter and smoother. The mask also contains bits of beans in it, so when you rinse it off, it exfoliates the dead skin. It is very calming. Unlike some other prodcuts from Lush, it does NOT need to be refrigerated, which is a plus. I love Lush because they use all natural and fresh ingridients, and not alot of chemicals, etc. I paid 7.99 Euros for 80 ml of this product. At first,I thought it was a little steep for noly 80 ml, but a little of the mask goes a long way, and you don't use it daily. I have used this product about 6 times, and I still have over 3/4 left! I think the 250 ml tub was about 4 Euros more, so it is a good deal. I will defintely re-purchase this product, but next time, the BIG tub :) I was trying to think of any cons...hmmm... if you absolutely hate the smell of mint, you probably wouldn't enjoy this. Other than that, this is a must- have! I defintely reccomend it!

Have you tried this product? Do you have any other product suggestions from Lush?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Product Review: Olay's Beauty Fluid

Hey Beauties!

Happy Monday! Today I want to give you guys a quick review on Olay's Beauty Fluid. The Beauty Fluid is a great lightweight moisturizer suited for ALL skin types! It is very hydrating, but is not greasy at all. It works great under makeup. At first, I was unsure if the product was causing me to break out, but after about a month of use, I can defintely say that isn't the case. It is a great product, and extremely affordable. I reccomend it to all of you beauties out there for your summer moisturizer!
What moisturizer have you been using?
X's and O's,

Amanda

Basic Skin Care Kit

Hello Beauties!

Today, I want to talk about your skincare. It is so vital, but not everybody has the basics! Today, I am going to breifly discuss what should be in your skincare kit!

1. Skin type appropriate cleanser. It is crucial that you find a good cleanser suited for your skin type. Do your research! Avoid really harsh chemicals, even if you have acne. Truth be told, harsh chemicals in acne-fighting cleansers can just make you break out worse.

2. Toner. Toner is important because it removes excess sebum and evens out your complexion.

3. Skin type appropriate moisturizer. Moisturizer is cruical, even if you have oily skin. Pick up a moisturixer suited for your skin type, and use it daily! You'll be grateful later on in life if you moisturize your skin well while you're young!

4. Eye Cream. Do not, I repeat DO NOT use normal moisturizer on your eye area. USE EYE CREAM! Eye creams are formulated for especially for the eyes. Your eyes don't have any glands near them, so it is vital that you keep this area well hydrated.

5. Anti- Aging Serum. The best treatment for wrinkles is prevention! If you start by using an anti-age remedy now, you can help your skin look younger as you age.

6. Sunscreen. Again, prevention is the best treatment. Wear sunscreen everyday, and be amazed by your skin's appearence later.

7. Water:) Drinking water helps flush out toxins, so it can help prevent breakouts. Also, the more hydrated you are, the more hydrated and glowy your skin is!

I hope these tips were helpful. I love my skincare routine. I can't stop thinking about how awesome my skin feels afterwards, and daydreaming about how awesome my skin will look when I am older!

X's and O's,
Amanda

Summer Beauty Kit Essentials

Hey Pretties!

The weather is warming up! Who is stoked for summer?

Summer brings hot weather, and if you're not careful, raccoon eyes! Today I want to talk about some must haves for your summer beauty kit. Personally, these items are things that are ALWAYS in my kit and I use almost all of them daily. But if you are missing any of the following, defintely get them for summer!

1.Face and eye primers. I use primers daily, but they are crucial during the summer. Eye primer will help your eye makeup last longer, and reduce the smearing and smudging. Face primer is awesome because it fills in your pores, evens out your complexion, and gives foundation and concealer something to adhere to. I like to just spot conceal when I can in the  summer, and face primer evens things out! Plus, the concealer isn't melting off of my face.

2. Waterproof mascara. Summer activities call for this beauty essential. Sweat, water, 'nuff said.

3. Liquid liner. A liquid liner stays put much better and longer than a pencil. It is also less likely to run!

4. Sunscreen! Honestly, this should have been first, and you should use it everyday. I use it daily, no matter the weather, but especially in the summer! Protect your skin from sun damage. You'll thank your sunscreen when you are older and virtually wrinkle free! Make sure that the product can be placed under makeup. Some formulas can be placed over makeup as well! Be sure to re-apply every 3 hours if you're in the sun.

5. Lightweight skincare. The last thing you want in the summertime are products that are heavy on your skin. I reccomed a light cleanser, and a very lightweight moisturizer. Olay Beauty Fluid is my fave lightweight moisturizer.

6. Translucent powder. This is necessary for blotting excess oil on the skin, and setting foundations and concealers so that they don't slip and move around!

What are your beauty kit essentials?
X's and O's ,
Amanda

New Things! & Happy, Healthy Skin:)

Hello Lovlies!,
So, I know I haven't updated in 10 days. So sorry! I didn't forget about you guys, but I had alot going on. I did TRY to do an update letting you know what was going on, but my computer wasn't having it. I am having trouble typing updates, so I am using word on my computer now, and copying and pasting. Joy.
Another reason I haven't updated is that I have been super busy with class, the new apartment, and new things for the blog have been in talks. :) I will be introducing a new feature to the blog called "Music of the Month", where I will be talking about bands I am loving, etc. I have upcoming interviews with some artists coming up, so please stay tuned!
Okay, Okay. Now that you're done hearing my excuses(sorry!), I will share with you some tips for better skin. :)

　
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought "What gives? I wash my face daily, remove all my makeup, and use moisturizer. Why is my skin so dull/flaky/broken out? I take care of my skin!" Unfortunately, this is not always enough. There are little things that you maybe don't think about that can be affecting your skin. Here are some tips I swear by for happier skin:
1. Change your pillowcases once weekly. The oil from your hair and other parts of your body rub off on your pillows. When you go to sleep at night, you are essentially your face into a pool of yuck. So, be sure to replace your pillowcase about once a week with a fresh one. Also be sure to remove your makeup and cleasne thouroughly before bed:)
2. Cleanse your face the correct way. #1 Wash or sanitize your hands before cleansing. If you don't, you will just transfer the bacteria from your hands onto your face. #2 thouroughly remove all makeup before cleansing. By doing this, you will allow your cleanser to clean your skin, NOT your makeup.#3 Be sure to choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. #4 cleanse with luke warm water, and wash your skin for at least 45 seconds to a minute, rubbing the product in a circular motion ,then rinsing. If you don't cleanse for long enough, the product won't be getting deep down in the pores.
3. Apply moisturizer within 1 minute of drying your skin. The minute after you dry your skin is the best time to apply moisturizer, because your skin will absorb it better. Again, be sure to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
4. Exfoliate twice weekly. This will allow the dead sluggish skin to be removed, revealing the fresh skin beneath.
5. Hydrate your body. WATER WATER WATER! When you are hydrated, so is your skin. Your skin will look less tired, and less dry by drinking water. It's free, so drink up!! Also, hydrating facial sprays can help keep your skin fresh during the day. I use these alot during winter, when my skin gets flaky.
I wish you all happy, healthy skin!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Happy Flying Tips

Hello beauties:)
I don't know about you, but I fly ALOT. Flying is my favorite mode of transportation. But flying can take a toll on your skin, body, and patience. I am actually traveling by air tomorrow( long international flights), so I thought that this would be a perfect time to share some tips for a happy and more beautiful travel experience:)

1. 2 days before your scheduled flight, call or check the status of your flight online. Doing this will give you time to prepare if there are any changes or cancellations.
2. Make H2O your bff. At least 24 hours before you fly, be sure to lay off of the high sodium and greasy foods, and slam water. Your body naturally swells at a plane's cruising altitude. Your high sodium dinner the evening before will not help this situation. Water flushes out toxins in your body, and can reduce swelling. But water isn't just good to prevent bloating while traveling. Water is essential to your skin hydration. Planes recycle air, and this can be very drying to the skin. Water is your body's best friend everyday, but especially when traveling!

3. Clothes. So this is a topic that I know is discussed alot, but I have to add to it. What you wear to the airport. Being passionate about fashion, I'm not too fond of the whole sweatspajamasandmessyhair at the airport thing. Yes, you want to be comfortable. You will be doing alot of sitting. But this is not a pajama party. Yet some people go too far with fashion. You don't need excessive jewelry. Or six inch heels. You should keep in mind that you will be going through security, and that you could have to run to your flight to make final boarding call. I personally reccomend wearing jeans that are comfortable, but figure flattering. I like to layer my tops, because planes can get cold. As for shoes, make sure they are comfy...and match your outfit ;)

4. WATER! WATER! WATER! So, I know I brought up H2O already, but it cannot be stressed enough. While on the plane, drink as much as possible! Trust me. Also, I like to use a hydrating facial spray.

I could go on and on about the millions of tips I have for traveling, but it would take all day! Remember to grab any important documents you may need, such as visas, passports, IDs, etc. Double check your bags the day before, and just before you leave for the airport to make sure you have eveything you need! Do you have any other tips? Fave destinations? Let me know! Have a safe trip to wherever you need to go.
X's and O's,
Amanda

New Year's Resolutions!

Hellloooo:)
Although we are halfway through January, I thought I would share with you some of my New Year's resolutions. I love New Year's. It's a chance for a clean slate, for new beginings. I am blessed to have a COMPLETELY clean slate this year, since I moved out of the country. I don't know about you guys, but 2011 wasn't exactly my golden year. I have high hopes for 2012 though! My resolutions are:

1. Try my absolute hardest to not judge others. Everyone has a story, and nobody is better than anyone else.

2. Learn a totally new skill. Who knows? Maybe I am a champion skiier or something ;)

3. Try more daring makeup looks. And share with you of course! :)

4.  Take skincare more seriously. I didn't really have a solid skincare routine until this past summer. Now I have learned so much, and I need to maintain my skin!

5. Try out some new recipies. I love cooking and baking, but I rarely step outside of the box, because I am unsure if it will taste good. I need to have more confidence in the kitchen and go a little crazy sometimes! :)

6. Use forgiveness, and let things go.

7.  Become involved in a cause.

8. Be more creative with fashion! And again, share !

9. Stop comparing myself to others. Nobody is perfect, and nobody else can be me!

10. Count my blessings and realize how lucky I am for all of the things that I have, and remember that love will ultimately set you free

11. Have a totally crazy/ epic night with Andre( The boyfriend)

What are your New Year's resolutions? Any you think you might have a hard time with? Let me know!:)

Side note.... I have been tracking, and realize that I get quite a bit of viewers, but no comments! quit being so shy people!!!! :) I don't bite. ;)

X's and O's,
Amanda